Sims, a 6-foot-6 Charlotte native, is currently a senior at United Faith Christian in Charlotte. Sims also plays for Team Charlotte on the AAU circuit.

UNCW popped up on Sims’ recruiting trail after Doug Esleeck joined McGrath’s staff as an assistant coach.

“Coach Doug was at Mercer before he came to UNCW,” Sims said to The Seahawk. “He was recruiting me at Mercer, then when he got to UNCW he kept recruiting me.”

That pre-existing relationship with Esleeck was a major factor in Sims’ commitment. He said that after his two visits, he has forged a “great relationship with all of the coaches.”

Like his fellow 2018 commit Kai Toews, Sims named the Cameron School of Business and the Wilmington community as other factors in his commitment.

“It’s a great area and I want to major in business,” said Sims. “UNCW has a great business school.”

Along with his intended major, Sims cited his experiences with the team on both of his visits and what he called a bright future at UNCW, among other things, as things that attracted him to the Port City.

“I liked all the players when I went on my visits,” he said. “They’re all fun to be around, and I look forward to playing with all of them. I believe in coach McGrath and his plan for the future, and I can’t wait to join that winning atmosphere.”

As for the future, Sims set his eyes set on the CAA title and a win in the NCAA tournament, just as Toews did in his interview with The Seahawk.

“My goals for next year are to win the CAA conference championship and to win in the [NCAA] tourney” said Sims.